Abstract: An actuator includes first and second structural units arranged independently of one another. An engagement means is arranged in the first structural unit. A drive motor is in driving relationship to the engagement means and arranged in the first structural unit. An anti-backbend chain is in engagement with the engagement means, and a chain depot is arranged in the second structural unit.

Abstract: A connector for coupling to a bead chain is disclosed. In use, the connector is arranged and configured so that the connector can pass over a bearing. In one example of an embodiment, the bearing is positioned in a tensioner so that the connector moves through the tensioner, which is operatively coupled to the bead chain. In one example embodiment, application of a force on the bead chain to move the covering between an extended position and a retracted position, self-orients the connector so that a top portion of the connector faces and/or contacts the bearing so that the connector smoothly passes across an exterior arcuate surface of the bearing. In one example embodiment, the top portion includes a curved surface to contact the curved surface of the bearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chain link for a circular chain and to the circular chain for accommodating and guiding energy lines between two connections points that can be moved in relation to each other, in a circular motion about an axis of rotation (d). The circular chain has a circular-arc-shaped body having a circle center-point axis (k), which body is composed of a plurality of sector-shaped chain links adjoining each other in the circumferential direction, wherein the chain links are connected to each other in the adjoining connection regions thereof in such a way that, in each case, the chain links can be pivoted about a first pivot axis (s1) radial to the circle center-point axis (k).

Abstract: Provided is an interlocking chain-type forward and backward actuating device, the device being configured so that an increase in the number of parts is minimized, an increase in the size of the device is avoided, the amount of scattering of lubricating oil to the outside of the device is reduced, the wear of connection pins is reduced, the breakage of the connection pins is avoided, and the striking noise and vibration of the chains occurring during the reception of the chains are reduced. Chain guide plates are respectively provided on both sides of a pair of interlocking chains in the chain width direction. Chain locus restriction members having chain locus restriction faces in contact with rigid chain portions, which are made rigid by engaging and integrating the pair of interlocking chains with each other, are disposed so as to be adjacent to the rigid chain portions.

Abstract: A push-chain includes a plurality of push-chain links, each push-chain link of the plurality of push-chain links including two strip-shaped mounting pieces disposed opposite one another and one connecting piece that connects at most half of an end face of the two mounting pieces at one side. Each of the two mounting pieces is provided with two mounting holes in the length direction. A distance between the two mounting holes is equal to half the length of the mounting piece. The mounting holes on the two mounting pieces are arranged opposite one another, and two corners on another side of each of the two mounting pieces are rounded corners allowing the push-chain to bend. Two adjacent push-chain links of the plurality of push-chain links are hinge-connected in a horizontally staggered arrangement by way of a chain pivot and the mounting holes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multifunctional locking device a housing, and a motor in the housing. An actuator includes a distal end, a filament configured to convey a signal between the distal end and the housing, a first actuator section including a first plurality of engagement members, and a second actuator section including a second plurality of engagement members. There is a reel in the housing, the reel being driven by the motor, the reel being configured to wind up and store the first actuator section at a time when the first engagement members are disengaged from the second engagement members. A combining head is configured to bring the first actuator section together with the second actuator section, to engage the first engagement members with the second engagement members, thereby increasing a rigidity of the actuator, enabling the actuator to impart both a pushing force and a pulling force to an object.

Abstract: An opening and closing device for a fuel door of a vehicle including a push type latch device for locking or unlocking the fuel door that may be rotatably mounted to a side of a housing by a hinge unit, may include a locking rod movable by an actuator and selectively locked to a locking slot provided in the hinge unit to which the fuel door may be attached, thereby controlling rotation of the hinge unit, and an anti-thrust lever operated in conjunction with the locking rod actuated by the actuator to selectively support the fuel door so as to prevent the fuel door from being thrust backwards.

Abstract: A fuel door opening/closing apparatus for a vehicle is configured to lock and release a fuel door for opening and closing an oil filling opening of the vehicle. The fuel door opening/closing apparatus for a vehicle includes a housing mounted to a hinge of a fuel door rotatably mounted to a fuel door housing, a motor installed within the housing, a locking rod configured to be moved between a locking position for locking the fuel door and a releasing position for releasing a locked state of the fuel door, and a power transmission configured to receive power of the motor, convert rotation of the motor to linear movement, and transmit the linear movement to the locking rod.

Abstract: A window operator mountable on the frame of window having a hinged movable sash including a drive assembly for positioning the movable sash and a separately installable drive shaft for operating the drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a drive chain coupled to the movable sash of the window that extends and retracts to position the movable sash. The drive assembly can be mounted to the frame first without the drive shaft. After the window is installed, the drive shaft can be then inserted into the drive assembly and used to extend and retract the drive chain and move the movable sash. The window operator includes a drive shaft retention assembly for receiving and retaining the drive shaft once the drive shaft is inserted into the drive assembly.

Abstract: A push-pull chain and actuator. The push-pull chain has lateral flexibility in two opposite directions. The actuator in which the chain is used can be mounted with either side of the chain up with substantially equally lateral flexing capacity. The push-pull chain bends sidewards in both opposing directions without being forced to assume a straight-line configuration.

Abstract: In an aspect, the invention is directed to a backlite assembly for a vehicle such as a pickup truck. The backlite assembly incorporates a motor assembly and a motor driven belt engaged with a guide rail that can be mounted to a structural support that is bonded to the fixed windows of the backlite assembly. A motor driven belt is used to actuate a movable window between closed and open positions. The lower support can also integrate the rail directly therein. The lower support can additionally integrate a housing for the motor assembly.

Abstract: An actuator for opening and closing a closure including a motor, a sprocket rotated by the motor, and a chain driven by the sprocket and having a first end connected to the closure and a second end positioned within a casing. The actuator also includes a support mounted so as to reciprocally movable relative to the sprocket and having a guide through which a portion of the chain is movable so that the movement of the support is due to the chain being driven by the sprocket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge/tilt window with a window frame and a casement with a casement frame that can be tilted about a horizontal rotational axis (X) and about a vertical rotational axis in relation to the window frame. The window also includes a hinge/tilt shank for opening and closing the casement. The hinge/tilt shank has a main arm that is hinged on the casement frame for tilting the casement and a gear with multiple articulations that is hinged on the main arm and the window frame in order to rotate the casement about the vertical rotational axis. A drive device, which is driven by an electric motor, includes a feed chain for opening the casement into a tilted position and for closing the casement from the tilted position.

Abstract: A link for a chain, which is used in a linear actuator, comprises a base member and a plate pivotably mounted on the base member. An arm extends from the plate. A first connecting means is disposed on a distal end of the arm to connect the link with a first adjacent link. The plate has a protrusion for releasably engaging a second adjacent link. A second connecting means is disposed on the base member to connect the link with the second adjacent link.

Abstract: A stop member for an operator chain in a chain operator, wherein the operator chain has a width, rivet holes and rivets, constitutes a pin arranged in a rivet hole not occupied by a rivet in the operator chain, wherein the pin has a length exceeding the width of the operator chain. The pin can be cylindrical with a diameter corresponding essentially to that of the rivet hole, and the diameter of the pin can be slightly smaller than that of the rivet hole, so as to be loosely held in the rivet hole.

Abstract: A push-pull chain and actuator for opening and closing a hinged window, door or other panel.

Abstract: In a drive apparatus (1) for a swiveling swing-out element (6) of a motor vehicle, in particular for a swing-out window, which is adjustable between an open position and a closed position, an adjusting lever (4) that is flexurally elastic in the x direction in relation to the motor vehicle coordinate system is provided for compensating the swivel movement of the swing-out element (6).

Abstract: A stop member for an operator chain in a chain operator, wherein the operator chain has a width, rivet holes and rivets, constitutes a pin arranged in a rivet hole not occupied by a rivet in the operator chain, wherein the pin has a length exceeding the width of the operator chain. The pin can be cylindrical with a diameter corresponding essentially to that of the rivet hole, and the diameter of the pin can be slightly smaller than that of the rivet hole, so as to be loosely held in the rivet hole.

Abstract: A push-pull chain type window actuator with an elongated and slim housing. The actuator is slim enough for mounting inside a window frame. The housing includes a chain path in communication with a chain exit. The push pull chain is engaged by a sprocket that is driven via a transmission by two or more electric drive motors in tandem. An auxiliary axial bearing supports the drive shafts of the electric drive motors. The transmission includes a worm gear. In order to extend the life span of the wormwheel the thickness of the teeth of the metal worm is chosen to be significantly less than the thickness of the plastic wormwheel. A resilient stop block dampens the halt of the push-pull chain at the end of the outward stroke.

Abstract: An elongate spindle member having rigidity and stability against pressure and tensile loads as well as bending and torsional loads is made by winding-up a plurality of mutually interlocking chain links (1, 12), during axial advancement of the chain links, into a helical winding (5, 16) by a winding guide (14). The elongate spindle member, formed by the helical winding, extends between two objects, one of which is connected with the winding guide (14). The first turn of the helical winding is connected with a coupling member for connection with the other of the two objects. The helical winding is formed by drivingly connecting the chain links to a rotatable driving device in the winding guide and retaining each chain link in engagement with neighboring links in the same turn as well as adjacent chain links in neighboring turns.

Abstract: A door or window operator includes a motor-driven double-chain operator with two chain members in a substantially closed operator housing separately in engagement with a rotating drive member and joined in a back-to-back arrangement. The chain members include links having hinge parts with parallel rotational axes oriented transversely to the direction of propagation of the chain member for engagement with neighboring chain links in the same chain member and having a back surface provided with zip engagement members for engaging corresponding engagement members on the back surfaces of adjacent links in the other chain member for securing the chain members in the joined operator member against displacement transversely to the opening/closing direction. The chain members allow a mutual displacement between neighboring links in the direction of the rotational axes and the separate chain paths extend only in a part of the housing in a plane common with the outlet openings.

Abstract: An operator for opening and closing pivotal windows comprises at least two pull and pressure transferring, flexible linkage mechanisms (3,4) connected at one end to a fixture (5,6) on a frame member and at the opposite end in engagement with a driving device (12-17) mounted on the opposite main frame member (2). The driving device is common to the linkage mechanisms and is together with the parts of the linkage mechanisms engaging it mounted in a common housing (7) for receiving the entire length of the linkage mechanisms (3,4) and provided with guides (8,9) and lead-in openings (8a,9a) for the linkage mechanisms (3,4). A carrier element (10,11) in connection with the guides is via transmission elements (12-16) in the housing 87,28; 54) connected with a common driving unit (17).

Abstract: A mechanism for angularly moving a closure element to and from open and closed positions. The mechanism includes a housing which incorporates a guide in which is slidingly located an elongate multi-link connector. One end of the connector is extendible from the housing and is able to be coupled to the closure element by a coupling. A handle mounted with the cover of the housing can be rotated to move the connector relative to the guide. The connector is formed from a plurality of links maintained in an interfitting relationship by an elongate flexible joining element extending therethrough. The connection includes a plurality of drive dogs for engagement with the tooth gear coupled to the handle so that drive from the handle can be imparted to the connector.

Abstract: A manually releasable coupling device for connecting an elongate operator chain (2) with a frame or main frame member of a window comprises a first coupling member (3) for connection with a free end of the operator chain (2) and a second coupling member (6-10) designed for mounting in or on the frame or main frame member. The first coupling member is a flat disc-shaped element (3) with a substantially keyhole-shaped recess 85), while the second coupling member comprises a shaft section (6) for mounting in a bore in the frame member or the main frame member in connection with a turning handle (7). The shaft section (6) has a local constriction (8) for releasable engagement with the keyhole-shaped recess (5) in the disc-shaped element (3).In order to allow manual closing of the window under surmounting of sealing pressure, the shaft section may be eccentric relative to the rotational axis of the turning handle.

Abstract: A mobile housing is provided with a plurality of telescopic standards mounted on a base for movably supporting the top of the mobile housing between a lowered position and a raised position relative to the base. A first pair and a second pair of slidable pistons are mounted in the base for simultaneous movement between a first position and a second position, the movement of each of the pair of pistons being substantially parallel and in opposite directions to one another. A first pair and a second pair of tubes, are provided with longitudinally extending slots and a flexible conduit extends from each of the tubes to one of the standards. Each of the tubes of the first pair and each of the tubes of the second pair are disposed in spaced parallel relationship to each other between the first and the second positions.

Abstract: An electrical actuator device for opening and closing doors and windows having an openable frame between a closed position and a ventilation or tilted position comprises an electric drive unit with a reversible motor and associated transmission. The drive unit is accommodated within a housing on a frame member serving to receive a locking mechanism, and the transmission functionally engages a locking mechanism mounted in the frame member and a transfer element, respectively, which by means of a coupling fixture is connected with the main frame, the transmission having a first engagement member and a second engagement member for engaging a first carrier member and a second carrier member, respectively.

Abstract: An operator for a window has a chain as an operating member, a sprocket wheel for advancing and retracting the chain, and a counterbalancing spring operatively connected to a shaft of the sprocket wheel.

Abstract: A device (16b) for tilting windows, doors, ventilation hatches, or similar closures open, with a motorized transmission-activating mechanism (12b) and a transmission (14b) comprising two back-to-back chains that curve in opposite directions.

Abstract: A lock for a sliding panel such as a sliding glass door includes a chain which bends in only one direction. The chain, when latched, forms an incompressible column between the openward edge of the panel and the door frame. Unlatching allows the chain to bend in its allowed direction and fall vertically along side the door frame, thus allowing the panel to open.

Abstract: A window operator has a prime mover for opening and closing of a window, with the prime mover being drivingly connected to a drive output member through an intermediate gear structure. A clutch device in the drive structure senses the torque applied to the drive output member in a window closing operation and a switch operable by the clutch is effective to deenergize the prime mover when the torque applied to the output member reaches a predetermined value. The switch can be adjustably located relative to the clutch whereby the predetermined value at which the motor will be deenergized may be varied in order to obtain a desired tension on a member connected to the closed sash of the window, such as a chain connected to the sash of a skylight window.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved chain assembly and a method for making the same. In general, the method of making a chain assembly in accordance with the present invention, comprises forming a plurality of links having a preselected shape and placement of apertures therein. A plurality of wire blanks are formed having an outer diameter to permit insertion into the apertures of the links. Such link is retained in a fixed position and a wire blank is inserted into each aperture of the link. On one end of each wire blank, a head is formed having a diameter larger than the aperture into which the wire blank is inserted. A mating link is placed into engagement with each link containing wire blanks with the end of each blank inserted in one aperture of the mating link in a manner to form a chain assembly. On the other end of each wire blank, a head is formed to complete interlocking of the links and blanks in forming the chain assembly.

Abstract: A combination lock for a panel and a frame is provided. The panel and the frame are such that the panel can move relative to the frame and the combination lock is such that it can lock the panel relative to the frame. The panel has an arm member extending therefrom and the lock releasably prevents the arm member from moving so as to inhibit opening of the panel. In one embodiment the panel can be a swing-out type window. In another embodiment it can be a sliding panel such as a glass door or window.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a chain operator for a window which comprises a chain formed of a plurality of interconnected chain links and a casing having a spaced first and second chain exit openings. A chain guide track is disposed in the casing and extends between the first and second chain exit openings and is positioned to guide the chain between the chain exit openings. One end of the chain is affixed to a window and a drive sprocket is rotatably mounted in the casing. The drive sprocket has a plurality of sprocket teeth which lie along the planar surface of the drive sprocket and are engagable with the chain to drive the chain between the chain exit opening when the drive sprocket is rotated.

Abstract: An arrangement for converting rotary motion into translational motion in which a motion-transmission device that is movable translationally, is divided into two strings that move longitudinally along their direction of motion. A driving motor provides rotational motion through a rotary drive. The strings are guided transversely and are positioned outside of a guide where they become separated. The strings, on the other hand, become united inside the guide, and this guide prevents the strings from being movable from each other laterally. The strings have teeth on sides facing each other in vicinity of the guide, and these strings have ends secured to an intermediate component in the guide, remote from the rotary drive. The intermediate component is common to both strings, and they become disengaged in vicinity of the intermediate component.

Abstract: A reversible roof of a motor vehicle includes an elongate hollow body fixed to the frame of the roof, in which there are slidable towards and away from one another the ends of a highly elastic lamina whose central section protrudes from an opening of the hollow body and which is rigidly connected to the roof. A manually pivotable knob, disposed outside the hollow body, is connected to mechanical members which determine the approaching or the moving away of the ends of the lamina within the body depending on the direction of rotation of the knob, thus giving rise to the exit or re-entry of the central section of the lamina from or into the body, respectively, and therefore to the opening or the closure of the roof.

Abstract: An actuator has a worm gear which drives a pair of flexible parts into a guide where they are united to form a rigid transmission member. The parts have interlocking teeth which cooperate with each other to transmit stresses in compression and tension along the transmission member. Because the parts are flexible in a direction transverse to the direction of the guide, they may be stored in a space-saving manner to the sides of the guide.

Abstract: An opening roof assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a rigid panel adapted to close an opening in the vehicle roof with the panel supported at each side by front and rear guide means on respective guide tracks extending along each side of an opening in the vehicle roof and behind said opening below the vehicle roof. The front guide means permit pivotal movement of the panel about a horizontal axis at right-angles to the guide tracks and each rear guide means comprises a guide shoe arranged to be driven along the corresponding guide track and a chain comprising first and second links, the first link having a first pivot at one end connected to the shoe and a second pivot at the other end connected to one end of the second link, the other end of which has a third pivot connected to the roof panel.

Abstract: A skylight assembly including a frame for securement within an opening in a pitched roof, and a window supported within the frame. Water flowing down the roof is directed, such as by a specially shaped flashing, to flow on to the window, and water flowing down the window is directed, such as by another specially shaped flashing, to flow on to the roof below the skylight frame. No part of the window projects outwardly beyond the outer edge of the skylight frame, and the window pivots inwardly to open the slylight. A window screen automatically advances to cover the opening when the window is opened, and shades of different types can be pulled across the window.

Abstract: An apparatus, for retaining a sash in a desired open position in a projected window, comprises at least one retaining unit adapted to be mounted on an outer frame, and at least one transforming unit adapted to be mounted within an inner frame. The retaining unit includes a tube-like member adapted to be pivotally connected to the outer frame, and a rod turnably and telescopically received in the tube-like member. The transforming unit is operatively connected to a handle (on the inner frame) and the rod for, in response to angular movement of the handle, turning the rod between a first position in which the rod is prevented from being longitudinally or axially moved relative to the tube-like member and a second position in which the rod is allowed to be longitudinally or axially moved relative to the tube-like member.

Abstract: A chain operator for a window, and particularly a skylight window, having a casing with a chain storage area from which a chain can be advanced for opening of the window. The casing is constructed for mounting of different types of drive mechanism for a chain drive sprocket within the casing. A unitary liner is fitted within the casing to provide a reduced friction mounting for the drive sprocket and a reduced friction guide for the chain, with the liner being positioned in high load and high wear areas to result in smooth and quiet long-life operation. The chain operator has a chain composed of solid links pivotally interconnected by U-shaped links and interrelated in a manner to readily move between straight and curved configurations and operate under relatively heavy load.

Abstract: An operator for providing opening and closing of a skylight and described herein in a number of separate embodiments, including a first embodiment which is solely manual including a gear and sprocket drive. A second embodiment employs a combination of a manual hand crank drive along with electric motor drive. In third and fourth embodiments described herein, the operator is set up normally for manual drive but is readily adapted by replacement of the manual cover plate to electric motor drive.

Abstract: An operator for hinged windows and being of the kind including a chain which can flex in one direction only and which provides the support whereby the window is held open. Movement of the chain into and out of the operator housing is controlled by a sliding actuator which is moveable along an elongate guide track between two extreme positions corresponding to the window closed and fully opened positions respectively. The actuator can be retained in any selected position between the two extremes by engagement between a spring loaded detent and a toothed rack. The detent is carried by the actuator and the rack is fixed relative to the guide track. Release of the detent is effected by moving a lever connected to the detent against a fixed handle of the actuator and the actuator can be moved along the guide track while the lever and handle are so engaged.

Abstract: The bowden cable drivingly connecting a crank on a motorcar door to a carrier for the window in the door has a plastic compression member whose ends abuttingly engage retaining members near the crank and the window carrier. The ends are of non-circular cross section, and their angular movement about the longitudinal axis of the cable is prevented by conforming engagement with respective retaining members.

Abstract: A window regulator for a tailgate window comprising a pair of rotary drums each of which has associated with it a tape of sufficient flexibility to conform to the periphery of the drum. The drums are mounted on a flanged support member, the flanges defining with the drums arcuate channels in which the tape is confined. The two drums are each provided with tooth portions in mesh with each other so that the two drums rotate in opposite directions, thus imparting longitudinal movement to the tapes. A drive pinion, preferably motor driven, is in mesh with the tooth portion of one of the drums.

Abstract: The bowden cable drivingly connecting a crank on a motorcar door to a carrier for the window in the door has a plastic compression member whose ends abuttingly engage retaining members near the crank and the window carrier. The ends are of noncircular cross section, and their angular movement about the longitudinal axis of the cable is prevented by conforming engagement with respective retaining members.

Abstract: A vehicle power window actuator for pivoting a glass view panel about an axis by means of back-and-forth linear movement of a wire cable. The wire cable has a jack screw portion swaged to one end engaging a gear which is rotated by an electric motor to produce linear movement of the cable. The other end of the wire cable is swage-attached to a rigid curved rod terminating in a ball-shaped end portion. The curved rod is housed in an arcuate hollow support assembly which is attached to the vehicle body adjacent the movable edge portion of the window panel so as to direct the end portion of the curved rod against the panel. A connector assembly between the end portion of the curved rod and the window accommodates linear movement of the ball-shaped portion in a direction parallel with the plane of the glass as the window pivots outward. In addition, the end portion moves with and rotates with respect to the glass.

Abstract: A remote controller for remotely controlling the opening position of a hinged window of a vehicle, which comprises a flexible cable with one end operatively connected to a free end portion of the window, a cable guide member for guiding the cable, an operating device connected to the cable to longitudinally move the same causing opening and closing movements of the window when operated, and a one-way braking mechanism for braking the longitudinal movements of said cable induced by the opening and closing movements of the window while freely permitting the movements of the cable via the operation of the operating device.

Abstract: A mechanism for opening and closing an angularly movable panel, comprising a drive box for attachment to a fixed frame, the drive box housing a cable wheel rotatable upon translation of a control cable when in operative association therewith, a chaincase having a sprocket operatively connected with a chain located in a casing, the chain being for attachment at one end to an angularly movable panel, rotation of the sprocket effecting translation of the chain into, or out of, the casing in accordance with the sense of sprocket rotation, the chaincase being mountable in any of four different positions on the drive box.

Abstract: A window operator has a prime mover for opening and closing of a window, with the prime mover being drivingly connected to a drive output member through an intermediate gear structure. A clutch device in the drive structure senses the torque applied to the drive output member in a window closing operation and a switch operable by the clutch is effective to deenergize the prime mover when the torque applied to the output member reaches a predetermined value. The switch can be adjustably located relative to the clutch whereby the predetermined value at which the motor will be deenergized may be varied in order to obtain a desired tension on a member connected to the closed sash of the window, such as a chain connected to the sash of a skylight window.